Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026

Overview

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is a fully funded scholarship offered by the South Korean government through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). It is designed to attract outstanding international students for degree studies in South Korea at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The programme reflects Korea’s commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and educational cooperation with partner countries around the world.

What’s Included?

• Round-trip international airfare
• Monthly living allowance (amount varies by level; approximately KRW 900,000–1,000,000/month for graduate students)
• Settlement allowance upon arrival in Korea
• Full tuition fees paid directly to the host university
• Medical insurance coverage
• Korean language training (approximately 1 year, before commencing degree studies)
• Research allowance for graduate students (per annual guidelines)

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements vary by track and annual guidelines, but generally include the following:

• Citizen of an eligible country (not a Korean citizen or holder of Korean permanent residency)
• Under the age limit specified in the annual guidelines (typically under 25 for undergraduate, under 40 for graduate)
• Hold the required academic qualification for the desired level (high school diploma for undergraduate; bachelor’s degree for master’s; master’s degree for doctoral)
• Strong academic record (GPA requirements apply; check annual guidelines)
• Good physical and mental health

How to Apply

There are two main application routes for the Global Korea Scholarship: the Embassy Track and the University Track. For the Embassy Track, applicants submit their application through the Korean Embassy or Consulate in their home country, which conducts primary screening before forwarding recommendations to NIIED. For the University Track, applicants apply directly to a participating Korean university that can recommend candidates to NIIED. The required documents typically include academic transcripts, personal statement, study plan, recommendation letters, medical certificate, and language proficiency certificates. Always refer to the official annual guidelines and your local Korean Embassy for the exact process and requirements.

Key Dates

Event	Date
Embassy Track application period	February–March 2026 (varies by country)
Application deadline (indicative)	March 31, 2026
NIIED final selection	May–June 2026
Korean language training begins	March (following year)
Degree studies commence	September (following year)

Contact Information

For official information, annual guidelines, and to find participating universities, visit the NIIED website at niied.go.kr or the Study in Korea portal at studyinkorea.go.kr. For country-specific instructions, contact the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country.